Strength. It's an interesting word.
Sometimes when I hear this word, it conjures up the image of a body builder who
can lift practically anything. There is also another kind of strength and
I think this is the one that is harder to find but stronger than the best
bodybuilder.

It's the strength we have inside of us to handle
situations that come our way. We never know what we are capable of
until we are faced with it but we surprise ourselves with the will to tackle
what we need to handle, no matter how tough it is. Sometimes it's for a
few days, sometimes it can stretch for years. However, we manage to get
up and face the day saying "I can do this."

Spirit gives us all the tools we need. We
just need to use them when needed. We don’t need to look outside
necessarily, we already have amazing tools within us. What's really amazing is
that we get our own special custom made tools because each of us and our
experiences are unique. This is why we have to be careful of comparing
ourselves to others. There really is no comparison, even if the
situations are the same. We can empathize, sympathize, support and speak
about our experiences but at the end of the day, each situation will be reacted
to in unique ways and totally specific to that person.

We have more resources than we realize. We
have great problem solving skills, strength, courage, humor and intelligence to
walk through the fire. And if we don't have all we need, we are smart
enough to ask for help. If we truly honor who we are and the gut
feelings we have (our intuition), we'll be able to handle the challenges.
It's not easy or simple but it is possible to see the right road to
follow. Sometimes it's a case of just seeing what's right in front of us
and taking action on it.

We have to stop being hard on ourselves and
falling under the weight of the world. Every day, when we pick ourselves
up and fight, we say "I have the strength to keep going. I have the
strength to handle this. I have the strength to handle
anything." Now, truly believe that. If we tell ourselves this every
day, we'll get even stronger. Watch what we can lift now!

Let me know about how you stay strong.
Drop me a line at mary@spiritualitygirl.com.